Ronaldo produced a superb performance as he helped Brazilian
giants Corinthians consolidate their lead in Copa Libertadores Group 1 with
a 1-0 win at Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker netted the winner
in the 40th minute, after Danilo deflected the ball from a corner kick by
Dentinho. Cerro midfielder Jorge Britez was sent off with eight minutes
remaining for dissent.
Mano Menezes' Corinthians have collected seven points and currently have a
four-point lead over Uruguay's Racing, who play Independiente Medellin of
Colombia tonight. Cerro Porteno, meanwhile, lie at the bottom with one point.
In Group 8, Universidad de Chile climbed to top spot thanks to a 2-1 win
over former leaders Flamengo. The Chilean side went ahead with a header by
Eduardo Vargas after a Walter Montillo cross.
In the 50th minute, the Brazilian giants equalised through Rodrigo Alvim,
who got the rebound after keeper Esteban Conde saved a Leo Moura attempt.
However, Felipe Seymour gave Universidad the win four minutes later after
Bruno failed to catch his long-distance shot.
Seymour told Fox Sports: "I congratulate the whole team. Flamengo were
excellent, very hard rivals to pass, so it is a great win, but we know we
must keep working hard. It is a difficult group, but we've made an important
step towards the next round."
Universidad de Chile now lead their group with seven points, one above
Flamengo. In the same group, in Venezuela, hosts Caracas and Chile's
Universidad Catolica played out a goalless draw to lie in the bottom two
with one and two points, respectively.
Finally in Mexico, visitors Once Caldas remain at the summit in Group 2 as
they drew 2-2 with hosts Monterrey. Dayro Moreno put the Colombian side
ahead early in the second minute but Osvaldo Martinez levelled with a
19th-minute penalty.
Neri Cardozo gave the lead to Monterrey two minutes into the second half
after nice individual work, but Jaime Castrillon ensured Once Caldas took
home a point from the Estadio Tecnologico. Once Caldas lead the group with
eight points, while Monterrey stay third with five, one below Brazilian
giants Sao Paulo. |
